How to Use Instagram Nametags

[Updated from 16th August 2018]

Update: Unfortunately Instagram have removed the Nametag scanning feature from Stories. I think this is a step backwards as it was much quicker to scan Nametags through the Stories camera rather than visiting the Explore page. Instagram have also decided to change the name from “Name Tags” to “Nametags”… not sure the reason for that one.

Another new Instagram feature has just been rolled out… Instagram Nametags!

The new Nametag feature allows you to create a special image allowing people to follow you by using their Instagram stories camera to scan it.

This new feature isn’t groundbreaking, it’s basically a fancy QR code. Snapchat users will instantly recognise Instagram Nametags so it can look like another copycat move, but other social media apps such as; Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook Messenger, already use this feature.

What Can Instagram Nametags be Used For?

Instagram Stories has 400 million daily active users, so adding another useful feature to Stories is guaranteeing success.

With so much daily activity you can assume the majority of users will have the Instagram Stories camera open in their hand, making it simple to scan a friends Nametag.

Nametags will work very well to visually promote your personal or business Instagram account. You can post it on other social media accounts, add it to business cards, posters, banners, bumper sticker… the list goes on. I can already see influencers wearing t-shirts and hoodies with the emoji or selfie pattern on them, promoting accounts.

Create Your Nametag

At the moment there are 3 types of Nametag you can create.

1. Colour background — Choose from 5 different gradient coloured backgrounds.
2. Emoji — Choose any emoji to be used as a background pattern.
3. Selfie — Take a selfie and add different styles of glasses, moustache, hearts or an inflatable unicorn, which creates a background pattern.

Personal & Business Account

1. Tap on your profile.
2. Tap on the menu icon in the top right corner.
3. Tap on “Tap to customise” underneath your Nametag.
4. Choose the style of Nametag by tapping on “colour”, “emoji” or “selfie” at the top of the screen.
5. To save your Nametag, tap the share icon and save to images for later use. Then tap the “X”.

How to Scan a Nametag

The first way…

1. Tap on the Explore page.
2. Tap on the Nametag icon in the top right corner.
3. Point the camera at a Nametag to scan and the owners profile will appear.
4. Choose to follow or view profile.

The second way…

1. Tap on your profile.
2. Tap on the menu icon in the top right corner.
3. Tap on your Nametag.
4. Tap “Scan a Nametag” to open the camera.
5. Point the camera at a Nametag to scan and the owners profile will appear.
6. Choose to follow or view profile.

Get Creating!

I’m sure over the coming weeks we’re going to see some really creative uses of Nametags. I’m not sure which I like more, the emoji or selfie background. Which do you think will be the most popular?